Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Preschool & Early Learning Center in Middletown, CT
Founded in 1972, Gianelli's Early Learning Center has dedicated over five decades to providing exceptional early childhood education rooted in the Montessori philosophy. Our mission, inspired by St. Anthony Gianelli, fosters spiritual, emotional, and academic growth in a safe, family-like environment. With a team of experienced educators including the Daughters of Our Lady of the Garden and multilingual staff, we serve families across 19 Connecticut communities. Our programs emphasize lifelong learning, character development, and hands-on educational experiences. Accredited through VIRTUS child protection training, we maintain rigorous safety standards while offering tailored programs for ages 2-5.Generations of alumni families attest to our nurturing atmosphere where children thrive academically and socially. Located in Middletown, CT, we combine traditional values with modern educational practices to prepare children for kindergarten success. Our community partnerships and parent engagement initiatives strengthen the support network for every child. With both structured curriculum and flexible enrollment options, we remain committed to meeting the evolving needs of young learners and their families.
Services
Tiny Treasures
PreK-3
PreK-4
Kindergarten Readiness
Summer Camp
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- 54 years of Montessori-based early childhood education experience
- Multilingual staff fluent in Italian, Spanish, Hindi, and Malayalam
- VIRTUS-certified safe environment program for child protection
- Proven kindergarten readiness curriculum with 4,500+ alumni families
- Community-rooted programs serving 19 Connecticut towns
Associations and certifications
- VIRTUS
What people say
Second home
Strong foundation
Safe and loved
Lifelong learners
Community involvement
Services
Tiny Treasures
Our Tiny Treasures program serves 3-year-olds with Montessori-inspired curriculum focusing on foundational skills. Through structured play and sensory activities, children develop social-emotional readiness while exploring language, math, and science basics. Certified educators create personalized learning paths that respect each child's developmental pace.
PreK-3
The PreK-3 program builds on early learning foundations with enhanced literacy and numeracy instruction. Children engage in thematic units that integrate art, music, and movement while developing fine motor skills through specialized Montessori materials. Daily routines emphasize independence and classroom community participation.
PreK-4
PreK-4 prepares children for kindergarten with advanced Montessori curriculum emphasizing reading readiness and mathematical concepts. Students participate in collaborative projects, nature exploration, and technology introduction while strengthening executive functioning skills through structured work cycles.
Summer Camp
Our summer camp serves children aged 2-5 with themed weekly activities combining outdoor exploration and academic reinforcement. The program maintains Montessori principles while offering seasonal field trips, water play, and special guest presentations that extend learning beyond traditional classroom boundaries.
Kindergarten Readiness
The Kindergarten Readiness program bridges preschool and elementary education through targeted literacy, math, and social skills development. Children practice classroom routines, complete project-based learning, and develop organizational skills while receiving individualized assessments to ensure smooth school transitions.
People
Sr. Juana Olmedo
Local Superior and Director
Sr. Juana Olmedo leads Gianelli's Early Learning Center with over 25 years of educational experience. She oversees program implementation and staff development while maintaining direct student engagement through spiritual guidance sessions.
Sr. Eugene Sanita
Dietician and Teacher Assistant
Sr. Eugene Sanita combines nutritional expertise with early childhood education, managing meal programs and supporting 3-year-old classrooms. Her dual role ensures both physical wellness and academic engagement for young learners.
Sr. Mary Pattasseril
PreK-4 Teacher
With 18 years at Gianelli's, Sr. Mary Pattasseril specializes in advanced preschool curriculum. She designs Montessori materials and leads parent workshops on kindergarten transition strategies while teaching daily PreK-4 classes.
Sr. Marykutty Edavazhickal
PreK-4 Teacher
Sr. Marykutty brings international teaching experience to her PreK-4 classroom. She integrates multicultural perspectives into daily lessons and coordinates the school's annual global awareness week for students and families.
Sr. Lizzy Chirackal
Toddler Program Director
Sr. Lizzy specializes in early childhood development for 2-year-olds. She creates sensory-rich environments and leads parent education sessions on toddler behavior while managing the Tiny Treasures program curriculum.
Questions
What age groups do you serve?
We serve children aged 2 through 5 years old with developmentally appropriate programs for each age group.
Is your staff trained in child safety protocols?
All staff complete VIRTUS Protecting God's Children training as part of our comprehensive child safety program.
Do you offer summer programming?
Yes, our Summer Camp program serves children aged 2-5 with educational activities and special events.
What languages do staff members speak?
Our multilingual staff includes speakers of Italian, Spanish, Hindi, and Malayalam to better serve families.
How do you prepare children for kindergarten?
Our structured Montessori curriculum focuses on literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional development to ensure kindergarten readiness.
Are meals provided during the school day?
Yes, we provide nutritious meals and snacks daily, with dietary accommodations available through our dietician.
